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October 1, 2017 - Creation 4 - World Communion

9/28/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Greetings,
As I prepare this message, I am conscious that Spirit West has lost a long time member.  Beryl Currie passed away last night.  A service to remember Beryl is tentatively scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, Oct 7 at the church.  Final details will be announced when they are available.  Please keep Beryl’s family in your prayers.
 
THIS SUNDAY – World Communion Sunday
This Sunday is World Communion Sunday.  Churches of the Reformed Protestant tradition, such as the United Church of Canada, do not celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion every day or every Sunday.  It was decided by a number of such denominations starting in the 1940’s that as a demonstration of our unity, we would commit to gathering together as a worldwide community at the Lord’s Table on the first Sunday in October.  We would also be joining with all those churches that celebrate the sacrament weekly.  For me this is an important witness to our desired unity as Christians, to know that I am part of the gathering, sharing the Bread and Cup, at a Table that surrounds our world.
The reading for this Sunday which will be my focus is from the story of the Exodus.  The children of Israel have been complaining about a lack of water.  God supplies their need.  On World Communion Sunday, we are reminded that we are one family, and that the needs of one part of the family affect the whole family.  Water is a symbol of all that gives us life.  We use water in Baptism. Bread is a symbol of that which sustains life.  Bread is at the heart of Communion.  Bread and Water together are symbols of our most basic nourishment.  And yet for many people around our world bread and water are hard to find. There is a poster I have seen, which shows Jesus on a bench with a person of our day.  Our contemporary asks Jesus, “Why do you allow people to suffer?”  Jesus response is, “I was going to ask you the same question.” We could equally be asking God why there are people without water or bread, and know that God could ask us the same question. In the Time for All Ages, I will be looking at the “Gift of Water.  The title of my sermon is “Bread and Water?”
 

SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School classes have started.  If you haven’t registered your child(ren), just fill out a registration form after church and give it to Edina.  We continue to use the Season’s of the Spirit program starting with Creation.  Have a great weekend and see you Sunday. 

  
MESSY CHURCH – New Dates
We are now looking at having Messy Churches on November 4 and December 16  This is a call out to anyone who is interested in helping with the set-up and presentation of these Messy Churches.  This is also the first call for families interested in participating in a Messy Church, a family experience of fellowship, fun and food.  For more information about Messy Church, check out the Messy Church Tab on the Spirit West webpage (spiritwest.org)

  
INNER-CITY PASTORAL MINISTRY LUNCH – SUNDAY, OCT 1 (A note from Lori W.)
First - can I say how much I love our congregation.    We are not the largest in terms of numbers - but we do have very large hearts.  In case I forget - THANK YOU!
I've sent out a separate list of what all of you wonderful people have volunteered to bring.  With that list I also included the names of those who are helping on Sunday and what Outreach has purchased thanks to those who may not have felt like making sandwiches and offered monetary support instead.  If you have any questions or concerns about the Lunch, call me at 780-221-7729.
 

AED (Automated External Defribrillator) TRAINING – Sunday, Oct 15
As many of you may have noticed, the church now has an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Unit mounted outside the washroom on the main floor.  These units allow for an immediate response in situations where someone is in cardiac arrest.  Although the AED can “talk” a user through its use, it is advisable for some members of the congregation to be familiar with the operation of the unit before it is needed.  We are arranging with 4 Point Safety and Training to provide the necessary training course.  The training can be completed in an afternoon, so we are suggesting the afternoon of Sunday, October 15 for this training.  The “trainees” will have lunch at the church and then course will start around 1:30 pm.  If you are interested in taking the training and will be able to attend the course on October 15 please put your name on the sign-up sheet by the church office or phone the church.

 
FALL SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION – Sunday, October 22
Mark your calendar for the annual Spirit West Fall Supper and Silent Auction.  More details about the time, and ways in which you can be involved will be coming out shortly.  Watch this space.

  
EMPTY JELLY JARS
When you finish enjoying your Spirit West Crabapple Jelly and the jar is empty, would you please return the empty jar to the church.  The jars are expensive and reusable, so can be sterilized and reused for next year’s batch of Spirit West Crabapple Jelly!


PRAYER CIRCLE
There is now a Spirit West Prayer Circle.  We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories or concerns, and pray.   There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need.  If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
 
CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church.  The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged.  For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
 
RIDE  TO CHURCH? 
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation.  Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office.  Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week.  To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com .  You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call the church or call Edina T. at 780-481-3508

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

 Office hours 
-  Norma => 11 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday
​
Larry

(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org



0 Comments

September 24, 2017 - Creation 3 with the Blessing of Animals

9/21/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture

Greetings,
As we are now in September please note that there are a lot of things happening or starting up again at Spirit West.
 
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
As has been the custom at Spirit West for a few years, the Service on the last Sunday of September includes the Blessing of Animals.  This date was chosen because of its relative proximity to the Feast of St. Francis.  St. Francis was a great advocate of seeing and celebrating the presence of God in all of creation.  So, you are invited to bring your pet(s) to church on Sunday.  Please remember that your pet(s) must be under positive control, either on a leash or in a carrier.  If your pet does not play well with others, tends to fight or bite, or does not travel well, just bring a picture.
 
The scripture readings for this service are not the Sunday readings from the Common Lectionary, but are for a service in honour of St. Francis. They are Revelation 5: 11-14 and Matthew 6: 25-29.  We seldom hear readings from Revelation, its imagery is sometimes hard to get one’s mind around.  In the passage for this Sunday, we see a vision of heaven where “ every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea” joins in unending praise.  The title of my sermon is “Let All Creation Praise.”

 
 SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School classes have started.  If you haven’t registered your child(ren), just fill out a registration form after church and give it to Edina.  We continue to use the Season’s of the Spirit program starting with Creation.  Have a great weekend and see you Sunday. 
 

 MESSY CHURCH – New Dates
The Messy Church that we were hoping to hold on September 30 has been postponed.  We are now looking at having Messy Churches on November 4 and December 16  This is a call out to anyone who is interested in helping with the set-up and presentation of this Messy Church.  This is also the first call for families interested in participating in a Messy Church, a family experience of fellowship, fun and food.  For more information about Messy Church, check out the Messy Church Tab on the Spirit West webpage (spiritwest.org)

 
INNER-CITY PASTORAL MINISTRY LUNCH – SUNDAY, OCT 1   Save the date!
Spirit West will be co-sponsoring the ICPM Lunch at the Bissell Centre on Sunday, October 1.
We will be looking for:  Donations of time, food, and/or money if you are unable to help volunteer your time cooking or working;
Various food donations (loaves of sandwiches, cut raw vegetables, desserts, whole fruit, etc.);
10 - 12 volunteers to deliver the food to Bissell, help prepare it for the people who come to the lunch, and to serve.  (A time commitment of approx. 830am  - 2pm)
 
Lori W. will has sign-up sheets available at the back of the church for food and volunteers.  If you have questions or you want to confirm what you can contribute, you can call Lori at home (leave a message if necessary).
 

AED (Automated External Defribrillator) TRAINING – Sunday, Oct 15
As many of you may have noticed, the church now has an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Unit mounted outside the washroom on the main floor.  These units allow for an immediate response in situations where someone is in cardiac arrest.  Although the AED can “talk” a user through its use, it is advisable for some members of the congregation to be familiar with the operation of the unit before it is needed.  We are arranging with 4 Point Safety and Training to provide the necessary training course.  The training can be completed in an afternoon, so we are suggesting the afternoon of Sunday, October 15 for this training.  The “trainees” will have lunch at the church and then course will start around 1:30 pm.  If you are interested in taking the training and will be able to attend the course on October 15 please put your name on the sign-up sheet by the church office or phone the church.

 
FALL SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION – Sunday, October 22
Mark your calendar for the annual Spirit West Fall Supper and Silent Auction.  More details about the time, and ways in which you can be involved will be coming out shortly.  Watch this space.

 
THE SPIRIT WEST APPLE TREES
The apple trees along the north side of the Spirit West property are ready for picking (some almost past ready).  There are a variety of trees; tart apples that are good for baking and sweeter apples good for eating.  There are also crab apples (jelly made from these apples is available for $5/jar)  So bring a bucket or a bag and help yourself!
 
 EMPTY JELLY JARS
When you finish enjoying your Spirit West Crabapple Jelly and the jar is empty, would you please return the empty jar to the church.  The jars are expensive and reusable, so can be sterilized and reused for next year’s batch of Spirit West Crabapple Jelly!

PRAYER CIRCLE

There is now a Spirit West Prayer Circle.  We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories or concerns, and pray.   There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need.  If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
 
CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church.  The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged.  For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
 
 RIDE  TO CHURCH? 
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation.  Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office.  Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week.  To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com .  You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call the church or call Edina T. at 780-481-3508

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
 
Office hours 
-  Norma => 11 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org


0 Comments

September 14th, 2017 - Second Sunday in Creation Time

9/14/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Greetings,
As we are now in September please note that there are a lot of things happening or starting up again at Spirit West.
 
THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday I will be paying more attention to the reading from the Law, which is part of the continuing story of the journey of the Children of Israel to the promised land.  The story this week involves the crossing of the Red Sea, the event captured so spectacularly by Charleton Heston in The Ten Commandments.  This Exodus story also evokes images of immigrants and refugees crossing a sea, putting their lives in peril as they journey to a place they have never seen, a better world, a promised land.  If we read our newspapers (?) or watch the news, does this sound like a scenario being played out today.
The scripture readings are Exodus 14: 19-31 and Matthew 18: 21-35.  In the Time for All Ages I will be looking at “Water Wings”,  and the title of the sermon is “Crossing the Sea.”
 

SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School classes start this Sunday.  If you haven’t registered your child(ren), just fill out a registration form after church and give it to Edina.  We continue to use the Season’s of the Spirit program starting with Creation.  Have a great weekend and see you Sunday. 

 
MEN’S BREAKFAST – This Saturday, Sept 16
The Men of Spirit West will gather for Breakfast this Saturday, September 16 at 8:00 am in the Lower Hall.  Breakfast is open to any man who wants to come out for a great breakfast.  As a note,  each man usually put in $10 dollars, this covers the breakfast supplies and the surplus is put into a fund that offsets the cost of minor repairs around the church.

 
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS- Sunday, September 24
As has been the custom at Spirit West for a few years, the Service on the last Sunday of September includes the Blessing of Animals.  This date was chosen because of its relative proximity to the Feast of St. Francis.  St. Francis was a great advocate of seeing and celebrating the presence of God in all of creation.  So, you are invited to bring your pet(s) to church on Sunday, September 24.  Please remember that your pet(s) must be under positive control, either on a leash or in a carrier.  If your pet does not play well with others, tends to fight or bite, or does not travel well, just bring a picture.
 

MESSY CHURCH – Saturday, September 30
Edina T. and I are planning on holding a Messy Church on the afternoon of September 30.  This is a call out to anyone who is interested in helping with the set-up and presentation of this Messy Church.  This is also the first call for families interested in participating in a Messy Church, a family experience of fellowship, fun and food.  For more information about Messy Church, check out the Messy Church Tab on the Spirit West webpage (spiritwest.org)

 
 INNER-CITY PASTORAL MINISTRY LUNCH – SUNDAY, OCT 1   Save the date!
Spirit West will be co-sponsoring the ICPM Lunch at the Bissell Centre on Sunday, October 1.
We will be looking for:  Donations of time, food, and/or money if you are unable to help volunteer your time cooking or working;
Various food donations (loaves of sandwiches, cut raw vegetables, desserts, whole fruit, etc.);
10 - 12 volunteers to deliver the food to Bissell, help prepare it for the people who come to the lunch, and to serve.  (A time commitment of approx. 830am  - 2pm)
 
Lori W. will has sign-up sheets available at the back of the church for food and volunteers.  If you have questions or you want to confirm what you can contribute, you can call Lori at home (leave a message if necessary).

 
 AED (Automated External Defribrillator) TRAINING – Sunday, Oct 15
As many of you may have noticed, the church now has an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Unit mounted outside the washroom on the main floor.  These units allow for an immediate response in situations where someone is in cardiac arrest.  Although the AED can “talk” a user through its use, it is advisable for some members of the congregation to be familiar with the operation of the unit before it is needed.  We are arranging with 4 Point Safety and Training to provide the necessary training course.  The training can be completed in an afternoon, so we are suggesting the afternoon of Sunday, October 15 for this training.  The idea is that “trainees” have lunch at the church and then the course would start around 1:30 pm.  If you are interested in taking the training and will be able to attend the course on October 15 please put your name on the sign-up sheet by the church office or phone the church.

 
THE SPIRIT WEST APPLE TREES
The apple trees along the north side of the Spirit West property are ready for picking (some almost past ready).  There are a variety of trees; tart apples that are good for baking and sweeter apples good for eating.  There are also crab apples (jelly made from these apples is available for $5/jar)  So bring a bucket or a bag and help yourself!

  
EMPTY JELLY JARS
When you finish enjoying your Spirit West Crabapple Jelly and the jar is empty, would you please return the empty jar to the church.  The jars are expensive and reusable, so can be sterilized and reused for next year’s batch of Spirit West Crabapple Jelly!


PRAYER CIRCLE
There is now a Spirit West Prayer Circle.  We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories or concerns, and pray.   There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need.  If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
 
 CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church.  The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged.  For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
 
 RIDE  TO CHURCH? 
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation.  Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office.  Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week.  To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com .  You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call the church or call Edina T. at 780-481-3508

SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch

 Office hours 
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 11 am to 4 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday


Larry
​

(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org

 


0 Comments

September 10, 2017 - 1st Sunday in Creation Time with Baptism

9/7/2017

0 Comments

 
Picture
THIS SUNDAY
The Gospel this Sunday is one of those passages that can be a bit troubling for some.  There is a real emphasis in the passage on community, which is good.  We are reminded that faith is not lived out in a vacuum.  But the perhaps troubling part is the emphasis on accountability.  We are responsible to each other and for each other.  In our current society with its emphasis on self-reliance and independence, the thought that we should call someone out for their behavior (in person, not on Facebook, or the we might be called out might be considered insulting.  But Jesus points out that faith is lived in community and says to us “Where two or three are gathered in my name, I am there among them.”
The reading from the Law is a passage that talks about the first Passover, the start of the journey of the People of Israel toward a promised land.
The scripture readings are Exodus 12: 1-14 and Matthew 18 21-35.  In the Time for All Ages I will be looking at “One More Step”,  and the title of the sermon is “Where two or three are gathered.”
We will be welcoming a young child into the church through the Sacrament of Baptism at this Service.

 
WELCOME BACK SUNDAY
SUNDAY SCHOOL starts this Sunday.  We need parents/guardians to fill out registration forms after church.  We will continue to use the Season’s of the Spirit program starting with Creation.  The first topics are forest and land.  Also there will be a barbeque after church which we hope you will be able to attend.  Most of our teachers will be there for the parents to meet.  Have a great weekend and see you Sunday.  Edina T., Sunday School Coordinator.
 

Ladies Group Welcome Back Social –
September 11 at 7pm, in the sanctuary.  Everyone Welcome! We are going to have a dessert party and get to know you social.  We are asking everyone who attends to bring their favorite dessert recipe.  A sign-up sheet we will be available soon.  Our theme for the year is “Recipes” which we will be including at every meeting and sharing them at the end of the year.

 
THE SPIRIT WEST APPLE TREES
The apple trees along the north side of the Spirit West property are ready for picking (some almost past ready).  There are a variety of trees; tart apples that are good for baking and sweeter apples good for eating.  There are also crab apples (jelly made from these apples is available for $5/jar)  So bring a bucket or a bag and help yourself!
 
INNER-CITY PASTORAL MINISTRY LUNCH – SUNDAY, OCT 1   Save the date!
Spirit West will be co-sponsoring the ICPM Lunch at the Bissell Centre on Sunday, October 1.
We will be looking for:  Donations of time, food, and/or money if you are unable to help volunteer your time cooking or working;
Various food donations (loaves of sandwiches, cut raw vegetables, desserts, whole fruit, etc.);
10 - 12 volunteers to deliver the food to Bissell, help prepare it for the people who come to the lunch, and to serve.  (A time commitment of approx. 830am  - 2pm)
 
Lori W. will have sign-up sheets available on the 10th of September at the back of the church for food and volunteers.  If you have questions or you want to confirm earlier than that what you can contribute, you can leave a message on Lori’s home phone or call her after the 3rd of September.   

 
PRAYER CIRCLE
There is now a Spirit West Prayer Circle.  We gather at the church on Thursday mornings at 10:30. We share a reading, share our stories or concerns, and pray.   There is no “sign-up” for this, just come as you feel the need.  If you are interested, join us on Thursdays.
 
CHALLENGES TO MOBILITY?
Spirit West has a Walker (Evolution Xpresso Lite) that is available for use at the church.  The walker can also be borrowed by those whose mobility is temporarily challenged.  For more information about the Walker, please contact the Church office (780-481-1406).
 
 RIDE  TO CHURCH? 
From time to time we encounter people who would like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because they do not have means of transportation.  Can you give a ride? If you would be willing to make yourself available to provide a ride to church please call the church office.  Do you need a ride? Would you like to come to church at Spirit West, but are unable to because you have no ride, please call the church office. (780-481-1406)
 
Spirit West Prayer Chain
The Spirit West Prayer Chain is a group of people who have committed to continue our prayers of concern from Sunday through the week.  To be part of this ministry, email your request to spiritwest.prayerchain@gmail.com .  You may also email a request for prayer to the same email address.  If you would prefer to talk to someone, you can call the church or call Edina T. at 780-481-3508
SPIRIT WEST ONLINE!
Our Website is at www.spiritwest.org .
Our  Facebook page is  https://www.facebook.com/SpirtWestUnitedChurch
 Office hours 
-  Monday to Friday 9:30 – 2:30
-  Norma => 11 am to 4 pm, Monday to Thursday
-  Larry => 9:30 am to 2:30 pm, Tuesday to Friday

Larry
(Rev.) Larry K. Wright, CD, BA, MDiv
Minister
Spirit West United Church
780-481-1406
Spiritwest.minister@telus.net
Spiritwest.org



0 Comments

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